Chandani Joshi's memoir 'Weaving My South Asian Tapestry,' launched

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, July 5:  Prominent women’s rights activist Chadani Joshi has come up with her memoir 'Weaving My South Asian Tapestry.' 

The book was launched amid an event organised by her daughter Sristi Joshi Malla and son Pranaya Joshi on the occasion of her 80th birthday in Lalitpur on Wednesday.

The book was jointly unveiled by Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sarat Singh Bhandari, former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha, former Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former Ambassador Bhim Udas, along with several other ambassadors and human rights activists based in Nepal.

Former Vice-Chancellor Mathema, a classmate of Joshi, spoke highly of her. “She remained fearless even in the most difficult times of life and played the role of a rebellious woman. Her current success is the result of that unwavering spirit,” Mathema remarked.

Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Abrar H Hashmi noted that Joshi is an inspiration not only in Nepal but to women around the world. “Bestowing her with the status of a global woman would be no exaggeration, given her tireless work for women’s rights and protection,” he said.

Minister Bhandari described Joshi as someone who challenges the narrative that nothing ever improves in the country. “She is an inspiration not only for women but for all humankind,” he added.

According to former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha, Joshi’s contributions extend beyond women’s rights to the legal and judicial spheres as well. “People like her help guide the very spirit of the law through their actions,” he said.

Human rights activist Charan Prasai emphasised that Joshi’s work stands above any single organisation working in the field of rights advocacy, urging everyone to draw inspiration from her.

All the speakers praised Joshi’s achievements as being pivotal for social progress.

The event turned emotional when Joshi’s three grandchildren, Abhas, Abhiraj, and Aarav, spoke about their grandmother. 

Her daughter, Sristi Joshi Malla, who hosted the programme, also shared moving stories about her mother’s life journey and inspirational resilience.

Born in Palpa and later moving to Kathmandu with her parents at a young age, Joshi began her academic career as a lecturer at Padma Kanya College. Over the past 60 years, she has worked tirelessly in the fields of women’s rights and gender equality. Her work has been globally recognised and hailed.

Published by Book Hill, the hardcover edition of the 500-page book is priced at Rs. 1,500.